Ilisaqsivik announces new executive director

The Ilisaqsivik Society’s new executive director says it’s “exciting and rewarding” to be leading the Clyde River wellness organization.

Jennifer Jaypoody was selected as the new executive director of Ilisaqsivik and director of Tukumaaq Inc., the organization’s business arm that runs its local hotels, the Ilisaqsivik board of directors announced Friday.

Born and raised in Clyde River, Jaypoody holds a bachelor of education degree from the University of Regina and has held roles with the Clyde River Co-Op committee, the district education authority committee and the health committee.

She was most recently vice-principal of Quluaq School and told Nunatsiaq News that her background working closely with youth there will be beneficial as she steps into leading Ilisaqsivik.

She said she hopes to create better programming for locals and address issues like food insecurity in the community.

Jaypoody takes over the roles from interim executive director Shari Fox.

Before Fox, Ilisaqsivik’s executive director was Malcolm Ranta, who was placed on leave in November 2022 after being charged with one count of sexual assault in July that year. Ranta’s case is still before the courts.

The organization would not comment on Ranta except to say he is no longer an employee of the Ilisaqsivik Society.

The Ilisaqsivik Society is a not-for-profit group that runs wellness programming and Inuktitut-language counselling in Clyde River and other Nunavut communities.

It’s an umbrella organization that consists of Ilisaqsivik, Tukumaaq and the Ittaq Heritage and Research Centre, and is the largest employer in Clyde River with about 200 employees.

“I am very excited to join this incredible team delivering programs and services,” Jaypoody said in the announcement.

“I am also proud to soon be leading and representing the organization that is helping my community and Inuit.”

Jaypoody will start her tenure March 1.